Jaguar to Keep Sedans

Despite the ongoing transition from cars to crossover/SUVs, Jaguar Ltd. has no plans to drop traditional sedans from its lineup.

Jaguar’s total global sales inched up 1% last year to a record 180,800 vehicles, thanks to strong sales of the E-Pace compact crossover. Demand for the XE and XF (pictured) sedans each fell by double digits.

But CEO Ralf Speth tells reporters that Jaguar needs to maintain a presence in car segments to be competitive and generate sufficient volumes to realize economies of scale. He also asserts that the fast-paced growth rate for crossover/SUVs has started to level off.

Speth says a market swing back to cars could develop as stricter fuel efficiency and emissions regulations take effect in China and the U.S. over the next 20 years. Cars tend to be more aerodynamic and fuel efficient than larger and taller crossover/SUVs.

Jaguar plans to offer more electrified models—including cars and crossovers—in coming years. The company launched its first electric vehicle, the I-Pace crossover, last year.

The next generations of the XE and XF will be built in Jaguar Land Rover’s new plant in Slovakia starting in 2023. The vehicles currently are produced at the carmaker’s Castle Bromwich factory in England.